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León’s History

A sculpture featuring Guzmán El Bueno

The capital from León’s Ancient Kingdom surprises the traveller that visits the city for the first time. León has a remarkable national heritage and historic monuments such as the Cathedral, San Marcos, San Isidoro, those are the best known, make part from a modern city, plenty of gardens, parks, fountains and wide avenues. This harmonious conjunction of ancient monuments which are rich in history lives with an urban development that remains respectful with the environment and the quality of life. For these reasons, León is a first class destiny for the Cultural Tourism

Ever since the Early Middle Ages, when León was a transit place in the pilgrimage to Santiago, there has been a tradition of hospitality towards the travellers, and that tradition stands alive today. One thousand years ago, in the Middle Ages, the Leonese knew how to “shelter the pilgrim”, and nowadays León is a cosy city, with an updated hotel service, good restaurants and inns, and a permanent cultural and leisure offer. The traveller will feel the Leonese hospitality from the very first moment. People from León know how to host their guests with wisdom and simplicity.

The precedents from the city of León go back in time to the age when the Romans ruled Hispania; the Medieval walls and some artistic remains have survived from that age. León’s role in the Spanish History came during the Reconquest’s first centuries. León was then a key point in the dispute between the Moslim invaders and the raising Kingdom from Asturias and soon became the capital of the Kingdom of León. Military deeds and court intrigues repeated during that turbulent years, when the Leonese monarchy spread its dominions up to the South, setting the foundations for Spain’s forge.

Little angels

That precedents, written in blood and fire, went parallel to the development of Science and Arts in the capital of the Kingdom. This development is reflected in León’s monumental and artistic treasures: remarkable Romanesque buildings such as the Basílica de San Isidoro; Góthic ones, for instante, the Cathedral, Catedral de Santa María; Reinassance ones, such as the convent Convento de San Marcos. All them are milestones in León’s monumental history, together with noble palaces, churches, convents and civil works such as the main square, Plaza Mayor. The modern city (150 000 inhabitants) has spread through wide, clear avenues that turn León into a quiet, habitable city, suitable to their inhabitants. More than a million squared metres of green zones, distributed between huge parks and small gardens mean an invitation to walk and relax.

Nowadays, the Barrio Húmedo, in the old town, holds in its squares and narrow streets innumerable inns and pubs. It is one of the areas in which the traveller can mix with the Leonese and foretaste the delicious Leonese kitchen. The city’s activity does not decay during the whole year. Its festivities take in all the posibilities: folklore, religión, sport and cultural, from Easter to San Froilán’s festivities, the International Trout week and Gastronomical Contest or the Organ’s International Festival, naming some of the most traditional events.

Our guests will find in our web some referentes to León’s History and Monumental treasures. There are many reasons to come and discover the city. If you are curious, we assure you will not be disappointed. We welcome you from now on.